Bed shelf integrated between bed frame and box spring

ABSTRACT

A storage box for use with an L shaped bed frame and traditional box spring is disclosed. A storage container has an L shaped lip member that is designed to fit between a traditional L shaped bed frame and traditional box spring. An optional support leg may be fitted at the back side of the storage box. The optional support leg may be shortened by breaking the leg at designated and pre-cut points.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

(1) Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to means and methods of under bed storage using support from a bed frame and box spring.

(2) Description of the Related Art

The use of storage containers placed under beds and/or built into bed frames is known in the related art. U.S. Pat. No. 6,785,920 provides a bed frame system for providing storage under a mattress. U.S. Pat. No. 4,259,755 discloses a system of slidable drawers for providing access to interior storage space under a bed. U.S. Pat. No. 936,969 discloses a wardrobe constructed under a bed frame. U.S. Pat. No. 4,597,122 describes a free-standing drawer that is positioned under a bed frame. U.S. Pat. No. D 360,299 illustrates an under bed storage trolley.

The related art provides under bed storage by use of large, heavy, and expensive components placed under or built into a bed frame. The related art requires the use of bolts, screws, and other fasteners attached to the bed frame, head board or adjoining wall. The related art fails to provide under bed storage while leaving room for vacuuming and other floor cleaning. Thus, there is a need in the art for a simple, inexpensive, and unobtrusive method to store items under a bed.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention overcomes the shortfalls of the related art by providing means to store items under a bed without modifications to the bed frame or box spring. Unlike the related art, the present invention does not involve the manufacturer of large separate items of bed furniture or the construction of non-standard bed frames. The present invention provides under bed storage without significant contact with the floor, thus allowing vacuuming and cleaning under the bed.

Unlike the related art, the present invention takes advantage of the existing configuration between a standard box spring and a standard L shaped bed frame. The present invention provides a storage container under the bed frame without drilling holes into the bed frame or surrounding walls or headboards. The present invention may be installed without the use of tools and may be easily transported between one bed frame to another.

The disclosed storage container is supported by placement between a box spring and bed frame. No tools or modifications to the bed components are needed. An optional support leg may be placed between the bottom of the storage container and the floor.

The disclosed storage container may be concealed on either side of a bed and does not protrude from the bed frame. The present invention provides storage space under a bed but yet off of the floor without interference to bed function. The invention may be placed at any point along a bed frame, giving users of different heights or sleeping positions a custom placed storage container.

The disclosed invention is well suited for collage students or other people who move frequently. The invention may be installed from bed to bed in just minutes. The invention is well suited for the storage of reading material, reading glasses, medicines, and other bedtime items.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a front and right side view of the invention.

FIG. 2 is a left side view of the invention assembled with a box spring and bed frame.

FIG. 3 is a front right side view of the invention assembled with a box spring and bed frame.

FIG. 4 is a rear elevation view of the optional support leg and back side of the storage container.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Referring to the drawings for reference, FIG. 1 shows the invention 1 generally. A storage container 4 has an opening 3 capable of accepting objects. The opening 3 is located directly below the L shaped lip 2 which is part of the storage container 4. In the preferred embodiment, the L shaped lip 2 and storage container 4 are one continuous object created from recyclable and/or recycled plastic material. In the preferred embodiment a support leg 6 attaches between the bottom of the storage container 4 and the floor.

FIG. 2 is a left side perspective view of the present invention 1 as integrated with the L shaped lip 2, box spring 7 and metal bed 8. To perform the assembly disclosed in FIG. 2 or FIG. 3 the box spring 7 is first removed, exposing the metal bed frame 8 that typically supports the box spring of a conventional bed.

After removal of the box spring 7, the L shaped lip 2 of the invention is placed into the L shaped metal bed frame 8 as shown in FIG. 2. The optional support leg 6 may be adjusted to provide additional support to the container 4. Leg support 6 may be comprised of several break-points allowing quick length adjustments of the leg support. Such a method of length adjustment is quick and does not require the use of tools. The length adjustment of leg support 6 may also be performed after the box spring is placed upon the top, 5 of FIG. 1, of the invention.

After the invention is placed on top of the metal bed frame 8, the box spring 7 returns back to the bed frame, however, the L shaped lip 2 of the invention is now secured between the bed frame the box spring.

FIG. 3 shows the right front side of the invention placed between the bed frame 8 and box spring 7. FIG. 3 shows an alternative embodiment not using the optional leg support.

FIG. 4 shows the optional leg support 6 structure with breakpoints horizontally positioned. In the preferred embodiment, support leg 6 has the break-point structure shown in FIG. 4, allowing for fast adjustments of leg length.

In the preferred embodiment, the storage container is 13 inches wide, 13 inches in depth, and 3 2 inches in height. This configuration is ideal for the storage of standard sized magazines and newspapers. The L shaped lip 2 of the invention has a horizontal component 1½ inches in length. At the end of the horizontal component is a vertical component 1½ inches in length. The horizontal component and vertical component comprise the L shaped lip 2 of the invention.

With respect to the above description it is to be realized that the optimum dimensional relationships for the parts of the invention include variations in size, materials, shape, form, function and manner of operation, assembly and use, and all equivalent relationships to those illustrated in the drawings and described in the specification are intended to be encompassed by the present invention.

Therefore, the foregoing is considered as illustrative only of the principles of the invention. Further, since numerous modifications and changes will readily occur to those skilled in the art, it is not desired to limit the invention to the exact construction and operation shown and described, and accordingly, all suitable modifications and equivalents may be resorted to, falling within the scope of the invention. 

1. A storage container with an L shaped lip section suitable for attachment between a bed box spring and an L shaped bed frame.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 having means for added rear support between the apparatus and floor surface.
 3. The apparatus of claim 2 with attached means of rear support comprising an adjustable leg piece.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 wherein the apparatus is comprised of one continuous piece of material.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4 wherein the apparatus is comprised of plastic.
 6. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the apparatus is comprised of recyclable plastic.
 7. The apparatus of claim 5 wherein the apparatus is comprised of recycled plastic.
 8. The apparatus of claim 3 wherein the rear support leg has preformed indentations allowing for quick removal of lower sections of the leg. 